The Los Angeles Dodgers unlocked their NLDS series with a statement 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. And then, manager Dave Roberts found himself responding to questions about two key pitching storylines. The future role of Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki and the clubhouse’s decision to bring back Clayton Kershaw in a bullpen role.

With an extra rest day integrated into the NLDS schedule, Roberts acknowledged that the setup enables more flexibility in how he manages his rotation and bullpen. “ I think it’s beneficial ,” Roberts spoke to Bill Plunkett of Dodgers Nation. “ Getting Blake on his regular rest… we kind of reset. I feel good with Snell going tomorrow and having whoever we want to deploy behind him . ” That tactical cushion has opened doors for creative

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